Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who spent over nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to unexpected spacecraft issues, have finally begun their journey back to Earth.
According to NASA, the duo undocked from the ISS at 10:35 am IST on Tuesday, embarking on a 17-hour return trip. Their SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to splash down off the coast of Florida at approximately 3:27 am IST on Wednesday.
Mission Delays and Unexpected Challenges
Williams and Wilmore originally traveled to the ISS in June last year as part of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft’s first crewed test flight. The mission was intended to be a short-duration journey, but unforeseen propulsion system failures rendered Starliner incapable of safely returning them. The spacecraft ultimately returned to Earth without passengers, extending their stay in space far beyond the planned timeframe.
Throwback: Sunita Williams on Private Space Travel
Eight years before experiencing firsthand the challenges of private space missions, Williams had shared her perspective on flying in commercially built spacecraft. In an exclusive 2016 interview with NDTV, she acknowledged that while such missions faced hurdles and intense discussions, she had faith in their safety.
She also revealed a more personal side of her space journey, recalling how she became the first astronaut to bring samosas to the ISS. Additionally, she expressed her intention to carry an idol of Lord Ganesh, her “good-luck charm,” on her next spaceflight.
India’s Pride: “Daughter of India” Returns
Union Minister Jitendra Singh hailed Williams as a “daughter of India” while expressing national pride over her accomplishments.
“She has successfully accomplished the task that she was assigned to. While all of us pray for a safe return, we also feel proud of her. A very pleasant coincidence is the fact that today itself, Prime Minister Modi made a statement on Maha Kumbh in Parliament, and incidentally, Sunita also expressed her best wishes for the Kumbh,” Singh told ANI.
He further highlighted Williams’ Indian heritage, emphasizing the growing global impact of Indian space scientists. “There is a very deep connection between her and India, especially Gujarat, the state that she belongs to. This is also an indication of how Indian talent is leading critical space missions worldwide.”
What’s Next?
With their spacecraft nearing Earth’s atmosphere, Williams and Wilmore’s return marks the end of an unplanned yet historic extended mission. Their landing will be closely watched by space agencies, given the technical issues surrounding Boeing’s Starliner. The world now awaits the safe arrival of two astronauts who defied the odds in space.